Wildlife Waystation sanctuary faces extinction

"That's a good boy," said the founder of Wildlife Waystation, which houses more than 400 lions, tigers and exotic animals in a canyon north of Lake View Terrace.

"You're all right: Nothing is going to happen to you."

Nothing, yet. But unless the exotic-wildlife rescue can itself be saved by another animal welfare group or an elephant-size donation, it verges on financial collapse - again.

"After 35 years of taking in animals, the Wildlife Waystation has come to the end of the road," said Colette, breaking into tears. "The economy has devastated fundraising.

"Unless we get some help, we cannot survive. There are 420 animals here, and they need help."

The Wildlife Waystation in the Angeles National Forest, once billed as the nation's largest exotic animal sanctuary, has cared for as many as 1,200 abandoned and abused animals, birds and reptiles at its 160-acre refuge.

Generations of school kids once trekked up winding Little Tujunga Canyon Road to hear the roar of lions, laughter of chimps and squawking of cockatoos under towering eucalyptus.

Then a decade ago, the Waystation was closed to visitors when the county ordered it to widen roads and upgrade its water and sewage systems.

Four years ago, it nearly closed for lack of funds. Now Colette said donations during the economic downturn have dropped by half. Its former budget was cut in half, to $1.7 million, its staff cut to the bone.

And unless the Waystation can can make $250,000 in upgrades, it can't get a county permit to accept visitors - which help generate donations needed to operate, she said.

It has asked other animal welfare agencies to join forces or take over the Waystation.

For the Waystation, powered by 400 volunteers, euthanasia is not an option, officials said.

"We can't find a Plan B ... but the animals will never starve, because other organizations will (feed them)," said board member Peggy Summers. "But that's not what we want. We need a sustainable program."

Though Colette said her animals lack the pedigrees needed to be taken in by zoos, the Los Angeles Zoo has already adopted some of its big cats.

"The first concern is for the animals," said Steve Feldman, spokesman for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, an international trade group. "If there's room ... zoos are willing to help."

The state Department of Fish and Game, which issues permits for exotic animals, said it can't provide homes for Waystation animals, but can take them to those who can.

"Our No. 1 concern is public safety, and animal safety," said Fish and Game spokesman Andrew Hughan, "Our role would be to facilitate a safe and orderly transfer of animals and other property, from one ownership group to another."

For more information about the Wildlife Waystation, call 818-899-5201 or visit http://wildlife waystation.org.